Meet the Beekeeper
I’m Kate, the beekeeper at You Got This Honey. I’ve been beekeeping for 5+ years and currently have 13 hives in my backyard and nearby locations in the western suburbs of Chicago. Silly as it sounds, I’ve always loved bugs! When I was little, I wanted to be an entomologist. I remember taking a rectangular hinged Godiva chocolates box and using it as my very own specimen case. I’d pin whatever insects I could find to the styrofoam bottom, just like I’d seen in museums. My collection was short-lived (sorry, Mom!), but insects have always held a special place in my heart.
I do not recommend beekeeping in a dress
A few years ago, I was gifted a beekeeping course at the Morton Arboretum, and I was hooked! Since then, I have kept my own bees and decided to “say yes” to beekeeping opportunities of all kinds. One season, I worked for another local beekeeper, managing hives in various locations, including the hives at the city aquarium and on the rooftops of two high rises. I’ve helped a therapist and young patient with exposure therapy to honey bees, entered honey contests, and even had my photo featured in an issue of Bee Culture magazine.
A 3lb package of bees
In August 2024, I completed my Master Beekeeper Certification through the University of Montana. I love bees and will talk about them with anyone and everyone. Learning more about honey bees and their role in our environment has organically led to gaining more knowledge about pollinators, native flowers, my local ecosystem, and so on. We’re all connected! Beekeeping is more than just a hobby to me, and my bees are an important part of my life. What began as a childhood fascination has expanded to a deeper understanding and appreciation of my own connection to the natural world. I’m honored to share my love of honey bees and beekeeping with others.
A frame of capped honey
